Perhaps it is a sign of my spiritual immaturity that I feel the need for a book or guide when praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. After all, shouldn’t the grace of being in Jesus’ presence be sufficient to keep me engaged? Sadly, I have found that so many times my mind races in a million different directions and that my prayers become mingled with “to do” lists, blog ideas, and even thoughts of what I will cook for dinner. Having a book to guide and direct my prayer — at least as a jumping off point — helps me to focus my time with Jesus.

So I was very happy to receive a copy of Jesus Present Before Me – Meditations for Eucharistic Adoration for review. It is indeed the perfect book for Eucharistic Adoration or simply quiet devotional time in your own home. The book commences with a lovely prayer to begin Adoration. Next, Father Cameron includes thirty daily Eucharistic meditations for each day of the month. Each day contains a brief scripture quote, a one page meditation, questions for reflection and a closing prayer. The length of each day’s passage is brief enough to leave ample time for additional quiet prayer during your time with Jesus. The content of Father Cameron’s reflections are so inspiring that you may be tempted to read ahead, but this is the type of book to be savored and enjoyed over time.

At the end of the daily reflections, Father Cameron includes the mysteries of the Rosary, written from a unique Eucharistic perspective. Additional Eucharistic devotions included in the book are a Eucharistic Colloquy, a Eucharistic Litany based on Sacramentum Caritatis, and a stirring “Way of the Eucharist”.

Jesus Present Before Me is presented classically with a faux red leather cover and is the perfect size to tuck inside a purse or coat pocket so that it is always handy. This little book is changing my perspective on Eucharistic Adoration and opening my heart to new ways of worship. It would make the perfect gift for someone special in your life or to deepen your own experience of Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.

About Author

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder and editor of CatholicMom.com and the bestselling author of the Chime Travelers children's fiction series, The Grace of Yes, The Handbook for Catholic Moms and A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms. As a board member and frequent host on KNXT Catholic Television, Lisa has produced and hosted multiple programs and has appeared on EWTN and CatholicTV. Hendey hosted “Catholic Moments” on Radio Maria and is the technology contributor for EWTN’s SonRise Morning Show. Lisa's articles have appeared in Catholic Digest, National Catholic Register, and Our Sunday Visitor. Hendey travels internationally giving workshops on faith, family, and Catholic technology and communications topics. She was selected as an Elizabeth Egan Journalism Fellow, attended the Vatican Bloggers Meeting, the “Bishops and Bloggers” meeting and has written internationally on the work of Catholic Relief Services and Unbound. Hendey lives with her family in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Visit Lisa at www.LisaHendey.com for information on her speaking schedule or to invite her to visit your group, parish or organization.

1 Comment

I absolutely love this book too! Great content in a beautiful, keepsake-quality package. It makes a great gift. Many of us know Fr. Peter Cameron as the Editor in Chief of the monthly devotional, Magnificat.